Luisa Blanco Earns Olympic Berth as Part of Team Colombia

SANTIAGO, Chile – University of Alabama gymnast Luisa Blanco punched her ticket to the Paris Olympics Monday night, becoming the sixth gymnast in Crimson Tide history to earn a spot at the Olympics.

While competing for Colombia in her Pan American Games debut, Blanco was the highest scoring eligible athlete in the All-Around final after posting a 50.099 score.

The 2021 NCAA balance beam champion led the Crimson Tide to the 2021 Southeastern Conference Championship team title and back-to-back SEC titles in 2022 and 2023. Blanco announced during the spring that she would return to the Crimson Tide for her fifth and final collegiate season as a super senior for the 2024 season.

PARIS BOUND !!!!!

Luisa Blanco secures her place at the Paris Olympics following her performance at the Pan American Games

?? UPAG#RollTide pic.twitter.com/BoRDrhY4H2
— Alabama Gymnastics (@BamaGymnastics) October 24, 2023

Luisa Blanco Said

"Life doesn't even feel real right now. I can't really process what I just accomplished, but what I do know is that I did not do this alone. I wouldn't have been able to go out with this level of confidence if it wasn't for all the moments I've had competing with Alabama and representing the Script A. It takes a village to do something this amazing, and I just cannot thank my teammates, coaches and support system enough for their endless support toward my goals and for being such an influential part of my journey."

About Blanco

Made her Pan American Games debut this weekend as a member of Team Colombia
2021 NCAA champion – balance beam
2021 SEC Gymnast of the Year
2021 Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association Region 1 Gymnast of the Year
16-time All-American
Four-time SEC champion – all-around, vault, uneven bars, balance beam
Three-time Scholastic All-American

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